Catch your own lobster aboard Captain Jamie’s lobster boat

Taking a lobster fishing trip in Maine is one of the best ways to learn about the lobster industry and immerse yourself in our way of life. In fact, many tourists rate it as their favorite experience from their time in Maine.  While there are many boat charters along the Maine coast, only a select few will give you a hands-on experience of catching lobster.  The following list of lobster boat tours all take place on real Maine lobster boats, with captains who are active in the Maine lobster industry. These captains will let you help them haul their traps and hold a live lobster, all while educating you on Maine lobster conservation.  A few will even sell lobsters to you after the tour.  All of these lobster fishing trips require advance booking, often by phone. Be sure to dress appropriately, bring your camera and get ready for the experience of a lifetime.

Lobster Fishing Trips in Southern Maine

Kennebunkport, Maine: Rugosa Lobster Boat Tour: Rugosa offer the only lobster boat tour in Kennebunkport hosted on a traditional, wooden Downeast-style lobster boat. Captain Bob and his crew offer an engaging and entertaining view of the lobster fishing industry. During the hour long tour you’ll get a hands-on experience of Maine lobster fishing, from watching the captain haul lobster traps and having the chance to hold and band a lobster. To learn more or make reservations for a Rugosa lobster fishing trip call 207-468-4095 or visit https://rugosalobstertours.com

Portland, Maine: Lucky Catch Cruises Lobster Boat Tour: If you’re in Portland Maine and want a more rustic experience to round out your stay, a Lucky Catch Cruise lobster fishing trip is an excellent option.  The trip, which takes place on a working lobster boat, is both informative and interactive. Not only will you learn about lobster fishing first-hand from the crew, you will also get your hands dirty and catch lobsters. The trip includes picking lobsters out of traps, measuring and banding them and more.   At the end of the tour you can even purchase a few of the lobsters you catch on the trip (at the boat price), have them cooked up across the dock at Portland Lobster Company and sit down to a fresh lobster feast. It doesn’t get more ocean to table than that.  To learn more or make reservations for a Lucky Catch Cruise lobster fishing trip call 207-761-0941 or visit http://www.golobstering.com

Lobster Fishing Trips in Mid-Coast Maine

Boothbay Harbor, Maine: Captain Clive Farrin’s Lobster Boat Tour: If you are looking for an authentic working lobster boat tour in Boothbay, Captain Clive offers the real deal. Captain Clive is a lobsterman and lifetime resident of Boothbay. His hour long tour takes place on his working lobster boat (so dress accordingly).  You’ll get a hands-on experience of how lobsters are caught as well as an opportunity to learn about the lobster industry from an expert. Captain Clive will take the time to explain lobster biology, the lobster industry and conservation measures.  He will also enthusiastically answer any lobster related questions you have. It’s  a perfect mix of entertainment and education and great for kids. To learn more or make reservations for one of Captain Clive’s lobster fishing trips call 207-380-7677 (before 8pm EST) or visit http://www.golobstering.com

Camden, Maine: Camden Harbor Cruises Lobster Boat Tour:  If you’re in Camden and want to get out on the water there’s no better option than Camden Harbor Cruises. Captain Dominic offers a one hour interactive lobster fishing demonstration where you can help haul, bait and re-set his lobster traps.  The lobster fishing trip happens on the Lively Lady, built by one of Maine’s most famous lobster boat builders. The crew make the trip fun and interesting, providing information about the Maine lobster fishing industry and the other wildlife in the harbor area. To learn more or make reservations for one a Camden Harbor Cruise lobster fishing trip call 207-236-6672 or visit https://www.camdenharborcruises.com

Lobster Fishing Trips in Downeast Maine

Bar Harbor, Maine: Lulu Lobster Boat Tour:  See what it is like to be a lobsterman in Maine as you watch Captain John haul lobster traps along the beautiful coast of  Bar Harbor.  Lulu’s is the only lobster boat tour in Bar Harbor hosted on a traditional Downeast-style lobster boat. The two hour excursion teaches you all about the Maine lobster industry in and entertaining and  interactive way. While you can’t buy lobsters directly from Captain John he will advise you on the best lobster pounds and restaurants in the area where you can buy fresh lobster or enjoy an authentic lobster dinner while supporting local lobster fishermen. To learn more or make reservations for a Lulu lobster  fishing trip call 207-288-3136 or visit https://lululobsterboat.com

Milbridge, Maine: Robertson Sea Tours: This two hour trip takes place on an real lobster boat and offers participants a chance to catch lobster alongside Captain Jamie. As you help Jamie haul and bait his traps,  you’ll learn about Maine lobster conservation measures and take in the beautiful Downeaast Maine coastline.  You can even purchase lobster from Captain Jamie after the tour.  To learn more or make reservations for a Robertson Sea Tour lobster fishing trip call 207-483-6110 or visit http://robertsonseatours.com

To learn more about the Maine lobster fishing season, click here.